The Accreditation Scheme
The Accreditation Scheme is a joint project run by Newcastle University ,
Northumbria University, Newcastle College, the City Council and the Newcastle
Landlord Committee. The Scheme was established to improve safety and security
standards in private-rented student accommodation in Newcastle.
Please note the Standards within the Accreditation Scheme are under review
and the Public Health Department are not currently carrying out inspections.
Therefore any property that has not passed an Accreditation inspection will
be advertised with a disclaimer. If you have any concerns over the current
standards of your property, please contact Newcastle City Council Public Health
Department on 0191 211 6104.
The Landlord and Student
Charter sets out the rights and responsibilities for both landlord and
tenant and is implied with any property rented through the Accreditation
Scheme. The Scheme expects a professional approach from the landlord and
a responsible attitude from the students with regard to the tenancy.
For a property to fully meet Accreditation standards the following criteria
must be met:
Gas safety - All gas appliances and pipe work must be checked
annually by a CORGI registered contractor in accordance with the Gas Safety
Regulations 1994. A certificate (CP12) must be provided to confirm this.
Electrical safety - An electrical inspection must be carried
out by either an NICEIC; ECA, BRE, BSI, NAPIT or Elecsa approved contractor.
A certificate confirming electrical safety must be submitted with proof that
all observations and recommendations noted as requiring 'urgent attention-code
1' or 'improvement-code 2' be rectified by an NICEIC; ECA, BRE, BSI, NAPIT
or Elecsa contractor. This test must be repeated at least every five years.
A visual inspection by the landlord of all sockets, switches, lamp holders
and safety devices prior to the commencement of each tenancy/academic year
is needed and any defects remedied.
Fire safety - Inter-linked mains wired heat and smoke detectors
need to be installed in the property. Self closing doors are also required
in the risk areas of smaller properties and to most rooms in larger properties.
For further details of where to site detectors and door closers please contact
the Accommodation Office .
Security - Landlords must ensure that the following security
measures are installed in their property:
- The front door must be fitted with a 5 lever mortice lock, viewer and
chain
- The rear door must be fitted with a 5 lever mortice lock and a 200mm barrel
bolt
- Outward opening doors must have hinge bolts fitted
- All external doors must be of hardwood construction. Alternatively, a
multi point locking UPVC door is acceptable
- Frame to frame window locks must be fitted to ground floor and vulnerable
first floor windows
Amenities - All properties must have at least one of the
following, with larger properties for seven or more persons containing two
of each item:
- Gas/electric cooker with a minimum of four burners/hobs, oven and grill.
If two means of cooking are required in larger properties, one cooker and
one microwave is acceptable.
- Toilet and wash hand basin with hot and cold water supplies.
- Bath, or shower with hot and cold water supplies.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire/Safety) Regulations 1988 - It
is illegal to have any furniture in a rented property unless the furniture
complies with the relevant safety regulations. Most fire resistant furniture
will carry a display label stating that it meets the requirements for fire
resistance. Upholstered articles must generally have fire resistant filling
material. Most cover fabrics must have past a match resistance test. Filling
and cover combined must have past a cigarette resistance test.
Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)Licensing - From April
2006 any property which is three storeys or more with five or more occupants
will be subject to the mandatory licensing requirements. The three storeys
include any attic or basement accommodation within the property as well as
entrance lobby/reception area. A 5 bedroomed maisonette would therefore be
included. For further details about mandatory licensing please contact Newcastle
City Council Public Health Department on 0191 211 6104 or look at their website
www.newcastle-city-council.gov.uk. Information on HMO Licensing can also be
found at www.propertylicence.gov.uk.
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